ATI RN
Fluid and Electrolytes ATI Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 73-year-old man who slipped on a small carpet in his home and fell on his hip is alert and oriented; PERRLA (pupils equally round and reactive to light and accommodation) is intact, and he has come by ambulance to the emergency department (ED). Heart rate elevated, he is anxious and thirsty. A Foley catheter is in place and 40mL of urine is present. The nurse's most likely explanation for the urine output is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Renin is released by the juxtaglomerular cells of the kidneys in response to decreased renal perfusion. Angiotensin-converting enzyme converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Angiotensin II, with its vasoconstrictor properties, increases arterial perfusion pressure and stimulates thirst. As the sympathetic nervous system is stimulated, aldosterone is released in response to an increased release of renin, which decreases urine production. Based on the nursing assessment and mechanism of injury, this is the most likely cause of the lower urine output.
Question 2 of 5
A patient who is hospitalized with a possible electrolyte imbalance is disoriented and weak, has an irregular pulse, and takes hydrochlorothiazide. He most likely suffers from:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The symptoms of hypokalemia include GI, cardiac, renal, respiratory, and neurologic disturbances. The use of potassium-wasting diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide, without potassium replacement therapy is a primary cause of hypokalemia.
Question 3 of 5
A patient who is in renal failure partially loses the ability to regulate changes in pH because the kidneys:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The kidneys regulate the bicarbonate level in the ECF; they can regenerate bicarbonate ions as well as reabsorb them from the renal tubular cells. In respiratory acidosis and most cases of metabolic acidosis, the kidneys excrete hydrogen ions and conserve bicarbonate ions to help restore balance.
Question 4 of 5
What would be the best initial nursing actions prior to inserting an IV?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Prior to initiating an IV, the nurse should verify the physician's order for IV therapy.
Question 5 of 5
Which of the following might the nurse assess in a patient diagnosed with hypermagnesemia?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: To gauge a patient's magnesium status, the nurse should check deep tendon reflexes. If the reflex is absent, this may indicate high serum magnesium.